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Orangutan

The orangutans (also spelled orang-utan, orangutang, or orang-utang) are


three extant species of great apes native to Indonesia and Malaysia. Orangutans are currently
only found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, but during the Pleistocene they ranged
throughout Southeast Asia and South China. Classified in the genus Pongo, orangutans were
originally considered to be one species. From 1996, they were divided into two species:
the Bornean orangutan (P. pygmaeus, with three subspecies) and the Sumatran orangutan (P.
abelii). In November 2017, it was reported that a third species had been identified:
the Tapanuli orangutan (P. tapanuliensis).

Genomic comparisons show that the Tapanuli orangutan separated from the Sumatran
orangutan about 3.4 million years ago. The Tapanuli orangutan separated from the Bornean
orangutan much later, about 670,000 years ago. The orangutans are the only surviving species
of the subfamily Ponginae, which also included several other species, such as the three extinct
species of the genus Gigantopithecus, including the largest known primate, Gigantopithecus
blacki. The ancestors of the Ponginae split from the main ape line in Africa 15.7 and
19.3 mya.

Orangutans are the most arboreal of the great apes and spend most of their time in
trees. Their hair is reddish-brown, instead of the brown or black hair typical
of chimpanzees and gorillas. Males and females differ in size and appearance. Dominant adult
males have distinctive cheek pads and produce long calls that attract females and intimidate
rivals. Younger males do not have these characteristics and resemble adult females.
Orangutans are the most solitary of the great apes, with social bonds occurring primarily
between mothers and their dependent offspring, who stay together for the first two years. Fruit
is the most important component of an orangutan's diet; however, the apes will also eat
vegetation, bark, honey, insects and even bird eggs. They can live over 30 years in both the
wild and captivity.

Orangutans are among the most intelligent primates; they use a variety of sophisticated


tools and construct elaborate sleeping nests each night from branches and foliage. The apes
have been extensively studied for their learning abilities. There may even be distinctive
cultures within populations. Field studies of the apes were pioneered by primatologist Birutė
Galdikas. All three orangutan species are considered to be critically endangered. Human
activities have caused severe declines in populations and ranges. Threats to wild orangutan
populations include poaching, habitat destruction as a result of palm oil cultivation, and the
illegal pet trade. Several conservation and rehabilitation organisations are dedicated to the
survival of orangutans in the wild.

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